The world is filled with incredible destinations waiting to be explored, and Time Out has taken on the challenge of identifying the most breathtaking ones. Recently, they revealed a list of the 51 most beautiful places globally, ranging from lakes and beaches to National Parks, libraries, vineyards, and historic towns. Topping the list is a magnificent mountain range that offers exceptional hiking opportunities and is just a short two-hour flight away from the UK.
The Picos de Europa in Spain is a stunning limestone mountain range reaching heights of 2,650 meters, located about 12 miles from the coast. These mountains rise sharply, creating deep gorges to be explored, as reported by Express.
Among the popular walks in Spain is the Cares Trail, a 13-mile route that traverses a canyon, passing through rugged peaks and cascading waterfalls. While not recommended for beginners, its moderate slopes make it accessible to walkers with reasonable endurance. Alternatively, you can take the Fuente Dé cable car for a quick ascent up the mountainside to enjoy the lush scenery below.
Upon reaching the summit, visitors can explore additional challenging hiking trails with stunning panoramic views. The mountains are part of the expansive Picos de Europa National Park, home to the Lakes of Covadonga. These serene blue waters, surrounded by peaks and greenery, resemble landscapes found in Scotland or the Lake District, offering a unique experience in Spain.
The national park boasts abundant wildlife, from brown bears and wolves to vultures and eagles, with chances to spot mountain goats and colorful butterflies amid the rugged limestone backdrop. Nearby, towns like medieval Potes charm visitors with their ancient stone buildings, timbered structures, and cobblestone streets, exuding a rustic appeal.
Arenas de Cabrales, situated on the park’s outskirts, is a popular accommodation choice known for producing Cabrales cheese and offering a variety of top-rated restaurants serving authentic Northern Spanish cuisine. Expect hearty and rustic dishes like bean stews and grilled meats, featuring locally sourced ingredients from the surrounding mountains.
The Picos de Europa is conveniently located just under two hours from Santander Airport, with airlines like Ryanair providing year-round services from Edinburgh and London-Stansted, as well as seasonal flights from Birmingham and Manchester. Flight prices start from as low as £15 one-way, with a travel time of around 2 hours from the UK.
